Barbaresco Montefico “Vecchie Viti” DOCG 2020 · MAGNUM in OWC
Roagna | Piedmont
Az. Agr. I Paglieri | Loc. Paglieri 9 | IT 12050 Barbaresco
Customer account required.
A dowry changed everything back then. In 1929, a triangular piece of land changed hands – not by purchase, but by marriage. Montefico has belonged to the Roagna family ever since, longer than any other vineyard in the portfolio. Almost a century later, this quarter of a hectare is still the most intimate chapter in its history. "Mont der fi" is what the Piedmontese dialect calls this location – the mountain over there, towards Neive. The small triangle lies exactly in the middle of the amphitheatre, at 230 metres, with a view of the neighbouring village. The soils of calcareous marl with a high proportion of active limestone are among the oldest in Barbaresco – seventy million years of marine sedimentation. The vines, all over 50 years old, are deeply rooted in this history. Of the four Vecchie Viti of the family, Montefico is the most intensely flavoured.
Wine Advocate attested to its "particularly perfumed aromas" – and indeed, a potpourri of cherry, mint, cedar and sandalwood unfolds in the glass, interspersed with pipe tobacco and damp autumn forest soil. The palate reveals the focussed structure that only extreme ripeness on the vine makes possible: Montefico is the last to be harvested, phenolic ripeness is the order of the day here. Velvety tannins, vibrant acidity, a final of enormous length. 1,000 bottles. A dowry that has been bearing interest since 1929. SUPERIORE.DE
"With plenty of ripe cherry and peppery spice, with fine viscosity despite its light profile, this red is juicy, resonant and full with tangy acidity. The tannins are firm and supportive, and the finish combines bright fruit, tar, minerals and spicy underbrush elements." Wine Spectator
"The Barbaresco Montefico Vecchie Viti 2020 is one of the most restrained wines in this series. But it is also Montefico. Strong spicy and mineral notes take centre stage. Mint, sweet pipe tobacco and sage open up first, while the fruit remains in the background. Driving but fine-grained tannins characterise the mid-palate and finish. This is such a distinctive wine. A classic Montefico through and through. Chalk, dried herbs, dried flowers and a hint of earthiness lead into a pronounced, savoury finish. Outstanding." Vinous
